November 1, 2005

Nikon Announces the 18-200/3.5-5.6 VR ED-IF AFS DX

Along with the much-awaited D200, many had glimpsed in a series of leaked information this past month, a new lens. Nikon now confirms that it's an 18-200mm VR zoom, equivalent to a 27-300mm with the 1.5x crop factor. Featuring a new VR Generation II system, the lens promises up to 4 stops of equivalent shutter speed! It also features the Active and Normal VR modes that was introduced with the 70-200/2.8 VR.

NIKON(R) ADDS VERSATILE NEW 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR ZOOM-NIKKOR LENS TO ITS DX NIKKOR LINE OF LENSES
New Lens Offers Enhanced VR Vibration Reduction System in a Compact and Lightweight 11.1x High Power Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLRs

MELVILLE, NY, NOVEMBER 1, 2005 Nikon Inc. (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced the new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, a compact, lightweight 11.1x zoom lens that is ideal for high performance everyday photography and incorporates advanced features such as Nikon's Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II), in a DX-Nikkor design engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. With a remarkable 18-200mm focal length range (picture angle equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format), the lens conveniently covers everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits and action photography. Advanced Nikon engineering has lent the lens a compact lightweight design that offers excellent handling characteristics and superb optical quality.
"Nikon's range of DX Nikkor lenses, designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras, has grown substantially since the introduction of the category, and the new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is an excellent addition offering Nikon digital SLR photographers an advanced all-purpose lens with superb optical performance and Enhanced Vibration Reduction capabilities," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. "Nikkor lenses are famous for their breathtaking sharpness, optimal contrast and consistent color rendition across its range of lenses with varying focal lengths. Now with the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor, Nikon photographers will be able to take advantage of remarkable versatility in one lens with assurance of the outstanding Nikkor image performance that has made Nikkor lenses renowned worldwide."
Beyond the lens' incredible optical versatility is the benefit of Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image degrading blur associated with camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Nikon's VR technology further enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.
To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling chrematistics.
All of Nikon's DX Nikkor lenses are engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, making the lens smaller and lighter while providing exceptional center-to-edge-to-corner image quality and overall optical performance. With the addition of the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, Nikon photographers can choose from over 50 Nikkor lenses,
ranging from the amazing 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye to the astounding 600mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II super Telephoto.
The 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens will be available beginning in December 2005 for an estimated selling price of $699.95**. For more information about Nikon and the Nikkor brand of optics, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor: Major Features
* Offers the broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 mm lens in 35mm format)
* VR II Vibration Reduction system offers the practical equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster
* Two ED glass and three complex aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
* Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing
* Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs
* Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
* Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range
* M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation
* Internal Focusing (IF) design simplifies the use of circular polarizing filters
* Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare
* Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-35 (included) greatly reduces stray light, enhancing image quality
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Under Nikon measurement conditions.

**Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.